[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING ROBERTA ROWE FOR A LIFETIME OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

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                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my 
constituents who passed away several years ago after a long, rich life. 
The community is still impacted by her wonderful example of patience 
and kindness. I salute Mrs. Roberta Rowe who, 26 years after her 
passing, will have a park in Sikeston, MO, rededicated to her for her 
inspirational life.
  Originally from Georgia, Mrs. Roberta Rowe came to Southeast Missouri 
with her five children, Mable, Alma, Eloise, Kathryn, and Carlton.
  She soon became involved in her community as the leader of the 
Rainbow 4-H Club where she held meetings, arranged educational projects 
for the members and accompanied the club to Lincoln University every 
year for the annual state conference.
  Mrs. Rowe was also an active member in Smith Chapel United Methodist 
Church throughout her life. She was a kindergarten teacher for the 
church, and often worked with the children in various activities. You 
could always find her cheerful spirit at a church function.
  Always involved with the Bootheel community, Mrs. Rowe traveled with 
the Community Choir for monthly choir concerts in the African American 
Churches of the region. Monthly she would go to Benton along with her 
Smith Chapel friends, Mrs. Rosie Johnson, Mrs. Flora Holt, and Ms. Edna 
to learn about effective homemaking techniques through the University 
of Missouri Extension Club. She served as a teen supervisor during the 
summer, teaching them about lawncare and lawnscaping.
  Although she did not complete high school herself, she pushed her 
children to pursue a strong education. Her twins, Carlton and Kathryn, 
completed college at Lincoln University, and the rest of her children 
spent time in college as well.
  Mrs. Rowe's dedication to her family, her church, her community and 
education should be an inspiration to us all. Those who followed her 
example learned that ``greatness comes from service.'' It is her 
greatness that is remembered in Sikeston, and by her family.

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